Page 12 - Mobility Management, April 2018

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Event Coverage
Abilities Expo Visits the City of Angels
LOS ANGELES — It’s a place for artists and educators,
for assistive technology companies and providers, for service organizations and athletes, and yes — for service dogs and their doting humans.
The consumer-focused Abilities Expo came to the Los Angeles Convention Center in February, as the rst American stop on its 2018 tour.
The three-day event attracted an eclectic crowd, from young families to seniors to the healthcare professionals who support them. One thing they all had in common:
a fervent belief in diversity and inclusion, as well as the power of education. Workshops and demonstrations throughout the weekend focused on such diverse topics as accessible travel, assistive technology breakthroughs,
Permobil went
big with its booth and its wheelchair service area, open to chairs needing a little TLC.
survival in emergency situations, and makeup tips and lessons. Attendees could try out adaptive skateboarding or wheelchair boccia.
As always, the Abilities Expo atmosphere was high energy and empowering, and more focused on abilities than on disabilities.
The 2018 tour continues with stops in New Jersey (New York Metro, May 4-6); Chicago (June 29-July 1); Houston (Aug. 3-5); Boston (Sept. 21-23); and San Mateo, Calif. (Oct. 26-28). Abilities Expo is back in Los Angeles Feb. 22-24, 2019, and will stop in Toronto April 5-7. For more information on any of the venues, workshops or demon- strations, visit abilitiesexpo.com. m
— Photos by Laurie Watanabe
12 APRIL2018|MOBILITYMANAGEMENT
MobilityMgmt.com
Look for the awesomely giant Q to nd Quantum Rehab, which showed off its new 4Front power chair, among other models.